A decision to remove the first runway made of slotted steel sheets was made by the government in order to build a new improved airport in its place. The announcement of this decision was made on 27th April 1964. Announcement of the replacement of slotted steel sheet runway by an asphalt runway was issued by Vuzaarathul Dhaakhiliyya (Ministry of Home Affairs). On the first day itself 08 volunteers were enlisted for the project and 1563.08 Maldivian Rufiya were donated and the government received whole hearted support from the Maldivian people – both financially and material wise. Removal of the slotted steel sheets, which the British had laid out as a runway, was started at 6.00am of the first day of May 1964.

To continue the project of building the airport an office was set up by the name of “Vazeerul Auzam Office (Prime Minister’s Office) / Unit 2”. Earlier the work was done by “Vuzaarathul Dhaakhiliyya” with the guidance of the acting Deputy Mr. Noonu Thaa Hassan Didi. “Vazeerul Auzam Office / Unit 2” was administered by the representative of that office Mr. Koli Ali Manik. The work was carried out in a competitive atmosphere between the four districts of Malé.

The 1st square was dug out by Henveiru district in 26 minutes. They won the winning prize of 1000/- Rufiya awarded by the government. The asphalt runway constructed by the hard work of Maldivians was opened on 12th April 1966 at 16:00hrs by the former Prime Minister His Excellency Mr. Ibrahim Nasir. The dimension of this runway was 45 x 2840 meters. An office named “Hulhule Airport” was opened on the 12th of April 1966.